Apple Valley Students Succeed at Mayor’s Youth Leadership Summit, Secure Funding for Swim Lessons

A group of dedicated students from Apple Valley schools recently achieved an impressive feat, demonstrating exemplary leadership skills and civic engagement. At the 9th Annual Mayor’s Youth Leadership Summit, held at the Town of Apple Valley, students from Academy for Academic Excellence, Apple Valley High School, Granite Hills High School, Apple Valley Christian School, and High Desert Premier Academy, seized the opportunity to delve into local governance and innovative project planning. Their journey began at the Mayor’s Youth Leadership Summit, an event launched in 2014 by former Mayor Art Bishop, now Mayor Pro Tem, to provide students with an immersive experience in local government.

The summit featured open discussions, hands-on workshops, and networking opportunities with esteemed figures such as Mayor Nassif, Town Council members, and staff, offering an invaluable look into the inner workings of the municipal administration. During this influential gathering, the students demonstrated their creativity and dedication by participating in stimulating activities that culminated in the formation of project proposals. Divided into teams, they collaboratively developed various initiatives aimed at benefiting the community, proposing projects such as a free license campaign, free first aid kits for the community, game nights for senior citizens, and care kits for the homeless.

Of particular note was their proposal for a swim lesson program in the Park and Recreation Department, targeting low-income and at-risk youth. Their impassioned plea highlighted the alarming statistics surrounding childhood drownings and the profound impact that these lessons could have on at-risk youth. One student eloquently stated, “The statistics are disheartening.

Drowning stands as the leading cause of unintentional death for children between the ages of 1-4, and the second leading cause of unintentional death for children between the ages of 1-14. ” They emphasized the need for $2,500 to provide 164 children with free swim lessons during the upcoming Spring Break, underscoring the potential life-saving impact of their proposal. Following their compelling presentation, the students had the opportunity to address the Apple Valley Town Council during its December 12th meeting.

Here, they eloquently articulated the significance of their proposed project, garnering support from the council members. Mayor Pro Tem Bishop expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, praising the students for their remarkable efforts and acknowledging the evident impact that the $2,500 funding would have. The Town Council unanimously approved the expenditure, providing tangible support for the students’ ambitious project.

In an inspiring show of community involvement, the Town of Apple Valley Parks and Recreation Aquatics Center is set to grant free swim lessons to children during Spring Break, realizing the students’ vision and bringing their project to fruition. This remarkable journey culminates in a valuable learning opportunity for the students, as they are granted the chance to actively engage in executing the project within the community. By witnessing the tangible impact of their efforts, these students are poised to gain firsthand insight into the transformative power of civic initiatives, igniting their passion for future leadership roles.

Mayor Scott Nassif expressed his admiration for the students’ dedication, emphasizing his continuous inspiration drawn from their innovative ideas and unwavering commitment. The astounding success of these students at the Mayor’s Youth Leadership Summit serves as a testament to the enduring impact of civic education and active youth engagement in local governance, and a testament to the impactful legacy established by the Mayor’s Youth Leadership Summit since its inception, nurturing the leaders of tomorrow. .